Disclosure

Thomas Baker: Reader-Writer-Thinker-Teacher-Philosopher

Disclosure Statement / Disclaimer Statement

The purpose of this Disclosure Statement / Disclaimer is to position what you might find on my blog. This helps you, the Reader of my blog, to know and understand the legal implications of what you read here on my blog.

I owe a debt of gratitude to Dr. Danah Boyd, a brilliant researcher at Microsoft Research New England and a Fellow at the Harvard Berkman Center for Internet and Society. I have freely and at length adapted and adopted, parts of her Disclosure Statement as a model worthy of replicating, due to its soundness and unmistakable clarity.

First things first, I am NOT speaking on behalf of my employer (Colegio Internacional SEK, Chile) nor my professional organization (TESOL Chile) where I am now a Past President.

What I say on my blog does NOT reflect the beliefs or interests of neither my employer (Colegio Internacional SEK Chile) nor my professional organization, (TESOL Chile).

I am interested in (and fascinated by) anything remotely related to the Teaching of English as a Foreign Language, whether in a TEFL private sector / industry environment or in a formal, traditional educational setting.

My Passion:

I am driven by my passion, namely, being the best possible teacher I can be through autonomous, Continuous Professional Development, participating in Open learning, and developing a powerful, sharing, open, interactive, global Professional Learning Network (PLN).

If you are reading this, you are probably already a member of either my Facebook PLN, my Linkedin PLN, my Twitter PLN, or a member of a TESOL Special Interest Group. If you’re not a member of one of my PLN’s, you can do so by joining me at any one of these places: Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, Scoop.it, Pinterest or Amazon .

Just “google” Profesorbaker – and you will find me.

Again, I reiterate, my activities are personal, and not in any capacity representing my employer or my professional affiliation to TESOL Chile.

Giveaways / Freebies

Amazon makes it possible for me to give away free books from time to time, for a limited period of time. To date, I have given away literally thousands of books, more than I will ever be able to count. It is my way of saying “Thank You” for your support. I will always try to keep you informed in advance when a book of mine is going to be available.

Links

Every day, I receive requests to link to someone’s project or website. I only link to things that I think are really cool. When I post a link, it’s because I can personally vouch for it.

Politics and Activism

I am neither Republican nor Democrat, neither left nor right. I’m an independent thinker, heavily inclined to progressive ideals that make the world a better place for everyone to live in.

I never get into debates on my blog about any topic – I believe civil people can disagree agreeably, a notion which I actively promote.

I am happy to have commenters who disagree with me. Your interaction helps me to critically examine my own thinking, and I appreciate your contribution in this way to growing my knowledge.

Regarding my activism:

Although living overseas in Chile, I registered people to vote for, blogged for, made YouTube videos for, and prayed for: Barack Obama. I voted for Obama and am damn proud of it. You see, it was the first time I ever voted, for any US president, in my adult life (age 47 at that time).

My promise to you, the Reader of my blog:

I do NOT speak on behalf of my organization(s), present employer(s) or past employers.

Inevitably, when it comes to my blog, I use my informed judgment, developed through critical analysis of the issue, and reach my own conclusions. I fear not to oppose the vox populi, for history teaches that often the voice of the masses is suspect.

I use my judgement, that’s my bottom line.

All I can promise is that I will be honest with you.

Sincerely,
Thomas Baker
Teacher of English as a Foreign Language
Santiago, Chile